It’s still summer in some parts of the world and people are looking forward to hitting the beach to get some sun and sand or going on a different kind of outdoor adventure. To make sure that everything goes smoothly, you need to plan ahead. Make the necessary bookings or reservations and prepare a list of the things you need to bring. Don’t forget to include your summer survival kit. Before leaving, double check if you brought everything you’ll need. You’ll be grateful for doing so if an emergency arises.
If you’re traveling by car, you should consider the possibility of your vehicle breaking down. Before you go, have your car checked. Make sure it’s fit for long distance travel. Don’t forget to check your tools and spare tire. Also, bring an emergency kit. You don’t want your car to break down and leave you stranded in the middle of nowhere and miss out on what could be a great summer vacation. In case, you do get stranded or lost, at least you have your emergency kit with you.
Survival Kit for the Travel
If your car emergency kit is all set, all you need now is to prepare your summer survival kit. When you’re at the beach, your primary goal is to relax and have fun. You can’t do that if you come ill-prepared.
Summer Survival Kit for the Beach
First, the basics. You’re going to get really wet so it’s a given that you have to bring swimming attire. You need at least two so you’ll have an extra dry one when you need it. Aside from the basic swimsuits or trunks, you should also pack at least a couple of board shorts and a rash guard, especially if you plan on riding the waves.
Of course you need the proper beach outfit. Bring casual clothes for when you have to go places other than the water. Men should include the classic white shirt, shorts and loose pants in their attire while women should have cover ups. You also need flip flops or sandals. You can’t wear shoes on the sand or go barefoot all the time.
You also need a beach towel. Choose a good one to dry you off or to lie down on the sand. If you’re going with the family, make sure each one has their own towel.
If you’re spending just a few days at the beach, you can get away with using a tote bag to carry your summer survival kit. If you have lots of stuff, go for a bigger beach tote.
Sun Protection
Perhaps the most important item in your summer survival kit is a water-resistant sunscreen. You’ll be spending lots of time under the sun so it’s just logical that you protect your skin from sunburn and non-melanoma skin cancer. Choose one with SPF 30 at least.
Aside from sunscreen, you can also wear a hat to protect your hair and scalp. A pair of sunglasses for your eyes is also a must. You should get out of the sun when it is at its brightest. Otherwise you can stay under a shade or use a beach umbrella. This is not entirely effective; however, as studies show that 40 percent of the UV rays still reach you even if you’re under a shade. A combination of a shade, hat, sunnies, extra layer of clothes, and sunscreen will do you a lot of good.
No one’s perfect. That also goes with applying sunscreen. There will be times you’ll miss a spot and your large brimmed hat may not be enough to keep it covered resulting to sunburn. Bring an after sun lotion, cream, gel or spray. This will help relieve sunburn and keep your skin moisturized.
Summer Survival Kit for the Kids
If you’re bringing the young ones along, don’t forget to pack floaters, especially if they’re not expert swimmers yet. Even if you’re going with a bunch of hard partying friends, you can still bring floatables.
Most kids wouldn’t want to get out of the water once they go in. Every time you manage to pry them out, keep them entertained with some books, board games or toys.
Another way to keep your children happy is to bring their favorite snacks. You should also bring a cooler where you can keep all your food and drinks along with some cold treats that everyone, especially the young ones, will love.
Other Summer Survival Kit Essentials
You never know if you’ll be facing a medical emergency. Don’t get caught empty handed by taking a first aid kit with you everywhere you go. Yep, even to the beach. Your car emergency kit should include first aid items but you still have to carry one in your beach tote bag.
Avoid dehydration by including water in your summer survival kit. The travel to the beach may be a long and hot one. You need to drink enough water to keep you hydrated. You should also drink lots of water when you’re at the beach. Bring your own water bottle. Fill it up and take it with you when you go strolling or jogging on the shore.
A whole day of swimming, beach volleyball, and playing on the sand will certainly be tiring. Don’t let bugs ruin a good night’s sleep. Bring a bug spray to keep the mosquitoes away. Put some on at night or especially in the afternoon when the little suckers come out and play. Choose a bug spray that has no chemicals. If you don’t want to keep spraying on your body, use a citronella candle instead.
The items included in this summer survival kit are certainly not the only ones you should bring to your beach adventure. Help fellow beach lovers out by commenting down below on what other things they should take with them for the ultimate summer escapade.
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